Geography, Geographic Information Science (GIS) and Geospatial Techniques Certificate

The Department of Geography and Regional Planning offers a program of study leading to a Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Geospatial Techniques. This 18-credit program provides instruction on the concepts of geographic information sciences and the technical and applied aspects of geographic information systems and other geospatial technologies, such as remote sensing, global positioning systems, and spatial databases.

The Certificate in Geographic Information Science and Geospatial Techniques is designed for persons who already have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and who are interested in increasing their knowledge base and skills in GIS to take advantage of opportunities in the job market. Students enrolled in the Certificate program who become interested in pursuing a graduate degree in the department will be permitted to apply the maximum number of certificate credits allowed by the IUP School of Graduate Studies and Research toward a Master of Science degree. Students who complete the certificate will have exposure to and grasp the nature of 1) the basis and logic of map projections and geographic coordinate systems; 2) geographic information systems hardware and software; 3) the basis and logic of various spatial data models and structures; 4) techniques for the assessment, planning, and development of spatial databases; 5) appropriate and accepted methods of spatial data analysis; and 6) representation of spatial and non-spatial data through maps and other techniques.

Program Requirements

All students will be required to complete successfully a total of 18 credits, of which nine hours (three courses) will be core courses. The student will need to choose nine hours (three courses) of electives to complete the program.